Search found 2962 matches

by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 26, 2024 9:00 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is an easement worth?
Replies: 20
Views: 1982

Re: What is an easement worth?

There are actually two land locked lots that border each other in this location. They are truly land locked. The owners of the property I have a contingent contract on, are a group of heirs (20+ people) that just want to get rid of the property. They are not asking for much and they are unwilling to put any money into the property. They may donate it to habitat for humanity or a church that shares a border with the property if it cannot be sold. I have spoken with the owner of the other lot as well and she is interested in selling it to me as well. I have done a title search and I see when the severance of unity occurred 10/4/1969. The owner that purchased the entire area had been selling off bits and pieces for years and in 1969 he sold o...
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 26, 2024 4:22 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is an easement worth?
Replies: 20
Views: 1982

Re: What is an easement worth?

City, County, whatever officials are usually very careful and avoid land-locking parcels when property gets subdivided (not necessarily platted). I can't imagine they would approve a subdivision plat with a lot that was landlocked. There has to be more to the story. Agree. The land records should be pulled to ensure someone didn't overlook the "flag." Here these are called "flag lots" where a flagpole strip allows access to the property. It's not unheard of for little details to get lost in land records. There is a flag lot down the road from my house. Terminology is also important. Rather than an easement which allows for multiple purposes, what might be asked for is a "right of way easement." An easement by ...
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:11 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Approaching parents about removing oneself from their estate
Replies: 35
Views: 3867

Re: Approaching parents about removing oneself from their estate

In VA a person can disclaim part or the entirety of an inheritance. Thus, one can wait for the inventory or later to notify the applicable folks/courts.
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull ... 4.2%2D2610.

I did this in disclaiming property which was full of asbestos and lead. I just didn't want to deal with it.
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 26, 2024 5:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Terrible experiences with Express Scripts
Replies: 12
Views: 1575

Re: Terrible experiences with Express Scripts

Don't know if VA is unique, but it would appear that pharmacy benefit complaints in VA are handled by the same agency which handles insurance issues: https://scc.virginia.gov/getattachment/ ... t-Form.pdf

I have never had this issue, but it might be worthwhile checking further in the applicable state.
by Mr. Rumples
Sun Mar 24, 2024 1:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
Replies: 47
Views: 2733

Re: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?

Only have a heat pump in central VA. 66 at night/ 67 in the day; I use an electric blanket and space heaters since its just me. Summer is a different matter; 75 during the day, at night down to 72, but it cools fast. We're in a somewhat similar situation in SE Virginia. A little warmer and more humid. A heatpump services our 2nd floor. In winter, we leave the thermostat set to 70, unless we go away for a few days and then we set it to 60. In summer, we set it to 79-80 during the day and 75-76 at night. It cools very quickly. In summer we do want it to run a fair bit to deal with the humidity. I've heard tell that it uses less electricity to cool than to heat. I don't know. The electric bill averages out to about $115 a month year round on ...
by Mr. Rumples
Sat Mar 23, 2024 8:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?
Replies: 47
Views: 2733

Re: Do you setback thermostat on your electric heatpump?

Only have a heat pump in central VA. 66 at night/ 67 in the day; I use an electric blanket and space heaters since its just me. Summer is a different matter; 75 during the day, at night down to 72, but it cools fast.
by Mr. Rumples
Sat Mar 23, 2024 1:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 7-day Colorado with teens, ideas?
Replies: 20
Views: 1532

Re: 7-day Colorado with teens, ideas?

Be prepared for an adjustment period to the altitude. Altitude sickness is real and it's not fun having a car load of sick people on the side of road. Stay in Denver for a day or two before going higher. https://www.uchealth.org/today/altitude-sickness/. https://rockymountainivmedics.com/altitude-sickness-denver-symptoms-remedies/ Even if a person doesn't get sick from the altitude, drink lots and lots of water. By the time you are thirsty, you are dehydrated. Rodeos are great fun. I am not into cars at all, but this museum is amazing: https://www.forneymuseum.org/Attractions.html. the website doesn't do it justice. A train ride: https://www.georgetownlooprr.com An easier hike (tower should open in mid May but check) https://dayhikesnearden...
by Mr. Rumples
Sat Mar 23, 2024 5:43 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: If you don't have a will made out...do it. Now. Please.
Replies: 24
Views: 4322

Re: If you don't have a will made out...do it. Now. Please.

Even if someone has very little or less, a will expresses who gets to make the decision about their burial and few personal items. The last thing that is needed is family members arguing over the funeral and remains.

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/tit ... 0or%20some
by Mr. Rumples
Fri Mar 22, 2024 4:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Unwanted Real Estate - can I transfer it to a Trust?
Replies: 8
Views: 1121

Re: Unwanted Real Estate - can I transfer it to a Trust?

The state should have statutes governing trusts and property interests. Specifically, whether a trust can waive, release, disclaim, or renounce an interest in, or power over, property.

One way to get rid of the property is to stop paying taxes on it. In VA, the locality would take the land and sell it. With this prospect, the trust might be encouraged to accept it. As an example, here is one jurisdiction's information: https://www.hanovercounty.gov/377/Delinquent-Tax-Sale

How does this affects one's credit? Delinquent tax payers are a matter of public record.
by Mr. Rumples
Fri Mar 22, 2024 2:30 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New homeowner advice
Replies: 32
Views: 2285

Re: New homeowner advice

Live in the house for an entire year before making major modifications. See how it and y'all in it react to the light, the seasons, the sounds. Don't spend a fortune on the outside until having a soil test. Take a few moments to learn out the construction of the house; different eras brought different methods and some modifications/improvements don't sit well with older homes.
by Mr. Rumples
Thu Mar 21, 2024 6:05 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Simple things like writing a check, balancing a checkbook, depositing, withdrawing, interest. Teach a child... but how?
Replies: 39
Views: 2588

Re: Simple things like writing a check, balancing a checkbook, depositing, withdrawing, interest. Teach a child... but h

I learned this at a very early age by watching my mother write checks every month. I still have the little box with the chicken on it that she kept everything. My father kept a copy of Changing Times magazine (now Kiplinger) on the kitchen table. I learn by doing.

I had to do chores for my allowance, both increased with age and learned how to save that way. We had little savings books so we could see the balance, interest and so forth.

Kids learn in different ways, some learn by doing.
by Mr. Rumples
Wed Mar 20, 2024 7:50 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Reset 4% withdrawal floor if portfolio increases in value?
Replies: 93
Views: 8009

Re: Reset 4% withdrawal floor if portfolio increases in value?

Regarding the expenditure for the house for example, the key for me is not spending what I can in theory withdraw but keeping a record of it. Thus, this year I am considering some improvements to the house - if I don't go into a CCRC. I haven't taken the $ I could have taken out over the years so there is a "bucket" there. For myself, I use 3.3% since I am cautious, can deal with fluctuations and want a legacy. Any more advanced calculations with spreadsheets and so forth are too complex as my cognitive skills decline - I am keenly aware of that now.
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 19, 2024 6:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Home Insurance Policy - Legalities Related to Cancelling It
Replies: 13
Views: 1182

Re: Home Insurance Policy - Legalities Related to Cancelling It

I'd call the state's regulatory body for insurance. In VA, this is the State Corporation Commission. But first, what is the state law on this? By way of example, here is VA's: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/ ... section40/
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:44 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How worthwhile is Zillow to estimate home value?
Replies: 58
Views: 5236

Re: How worthwhile is Zillow to estimate home value?

My neighbor is a retired appraiser. When I asked about my house, he said Zillow is a good starting point. It leaves out a lot such as internal improvements, a new driveway, a new roof and so forth. In a few weeks, I will get a better idea since the house down the street sold in two days. It will be interesting to see the difference if any between Zillow and the selling price. It shows my neighbors house wrong; not the right number of bedrooms but that's wrong in the county records also.
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 19, 2024 5:39 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?
Replies: 210
Views: 23809

Re: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?

cosmos wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:25 pm
Mr. Rumples wrote: Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:16 am Yes. I am helping a family member who is in a faith based continuing care retirement community. They screen those who are accepted to ensure they can meet the entrance fees, the monthly fees and so forth. Many aren't accepted. Of the 800+ people living there, about 10% have run out of money and are being supported through an endowment fund that was set up when the community was established.
I have not heard of this before what is a "faith based continuing care retirement community"? Like faith healing?

Or just like a care facility attached to say a Lutheran Church or something?
No, not faith healing, but communities which have been started by for example, the Lutherans or Baptists or Lutherans.
by Mr. Rumples
Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lawn care for first time home buyer
Replies: 56
Views: 3724

Re: Lawn care for first time home buyer

The first thing to do is contact the local extension agent and have the soil tested professionally. Grass is high maintenance; some folks are obsessed with it, others like me aren't.
by Mr. Rumples
Mon Mar 18, 2024 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial implications of long jury duty
Replies: 24
Views: 2020

Re: Financial implications of long jury duty

Federal law requires that the jurors are randomly selected from a cross section of society. https://www.vaed.uscourts.gov/jury-service-faqs#defer

In a federal grand jury, the judge makes the selection of the jurors and they present their reasons if they want to be excused. https://www.flmd.uscourts.gov/sites/flm ... jurors.pdf
by Mr. Rumples
Mon Mar 18, 2024 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Financial implications of long jury duty
Replies: 24
Views: 2020

Re: Financial implications of long jury duty

Federal juries, especially grand juries, can last months, not meeting every day of the week; in VA, an employer can't fire a person for serving, but they don't have to pay them: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/tit ... 8.2-465.1/

As for financial hardship: https://www.vawd.uscourts.gov/jurors/in ... %20granted.
by Mr. Rumples
Mon Mar 18, 2024 7:16 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?
Replies: 210
Views: 23809

Re: Anybody heard stories of well "prepared" retirees running out of money?

Yes. I am helping a family member who is in a faith based continuing care retirement community. They screen those who are accepted to ensure they can meet the entrance fees, the monthly fees and so forth. Many aren't accepted. Of the 800+ people living there, about 10% have run out of money and are being supported through an endowment fund that was set up when the community was established.
by Mr. Rumples
Sun Mar 17, 2024 5:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this a termite?
Replies: 27
Views: 3179

Re: Is this a termite?

Put out some sticky traps. Be sure to keep traps away from all potential pets.* Carpenter ants are found in VA in homes due to the humidity. We bought a house where they were eradicated in the floor between the kitchen and sleeping porch above. That was enough moisture for them from the climate and the kitchen cooking. https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/3104/3104-1573/3104-1573.html To help prevent all kinds of critters near and in the house, pull mulch 12" from the house and ensure shrubs are away from the building for ventilation. After reading this book, I have more "respect" for ants: T ales from the Ant World https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Ant-World-Edward-Wilson/dp/1631495569/ref=asc_df_1631495569/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0...
by Mr. Rumples
Sat Mar 16, 2024 2:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: funeral preparations
Replies: 48
Views: 4435

Re: funeral preparations

Even if the wishes are spelled out, that doesn't mean they will be carried out. In VA, this is addressed by specifically designating a person for this: § 54.1-2825. Person to make arrangements for funeral and disposition of remains.. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/54.1-2825/
by Mr. Rumples
Sat Mar 16, 2024 12:25 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New Roof - Exterior Design Ideas
Replies: 9
Views: 1008

Re: New Roof - Exterior Design Ideas

There are aluminum gutters that look like wood; they cost more, but are attractive. Copper gutters get a patina and become more attractive over time. An alternative is to forgo the gutters and use runnels in the ground made of brick around the drip line. The first picture is the runnel at the John Marshall House in Richmond. If this house was not in the city, there would be no drain but the runnel would continue further from the house into the yard. A house near me built in 1794 still has its ground runnels. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_ymvBaZPCzwtximySp0HGu77IDujzMnqEOBtfCm6objXj9xyCklOdZPi2bdrGnT6z8vfGw77Wl4MKngMSwQQhtdXCbeLWVv5_rRWSJfx4pRcAz-1WoUVGmoprlIEaw22AqTcQe8Qsoqc/s1600-h/ground+gutters+62602.jpg B...
by Mr. Rumples
Fri Mar 15, 2024 4:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Extra Low Mileage Drivers: How much do you spend on your car?
Replies: 54
Views: 5557

Re: Extra Low Mileage Drivers: How much do you spend on your car?

My vehicle is 23 years old; I drive less than 4,000 miles a year. Taxes/registration run about $50. Car insurance not quite $600 (recently left GEICO and cut it in half).

Maintenance varies, last year it was $600 (oil change, replace cracked radiator (I know a guy who does this on the side). The year before about $100, the year before that it was about $1400 for a new timing belt and replacing dried out gaskets.
by Mr. Rumples
Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:00 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Need Help Finding a Hobby
Replies: 76
Views: 6391

Re: Need Help Finding a Hobby

1) Swimming
2) Painting. I have no background in art, but started painting abstracts when I retired. Sold a few in restaurants where they feature local artists. They make great gifts. Mine are like Shawn McNulty's but of course, not as nice: https://shawnmcnulty.com
3) Bonsai. Start with indoor ficus (Golden Gate ficus if you can find it). Very forgiving. One doesn't need to start off with bonsai pots. Use containers from luncheon meats. These make great gifts. My oldest is now about 30 years old.
by Mr. Rumples
Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:34 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Where does your [investing] inspiration come from?
Replies: 31
Views: 3111

Re: Where does your inspiration come from?

Regarding finances, my mother sitting down every month and paying bills.
by Mr. Rumples
Thu Mar 14, 2024 12:02 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: How to find reasonably priced contractors?
Replies: 31
Views: 3515

Re: How to find reasonably priced contractors?

I get my oak trees trimmed every few years; the dead wood is removed. They have to climb some. $2,000+ is what I pay. They are insured, have their business license and with that equipment, their overhead is high.
by Mr. Rumples
Wed Mar 13, 2024 3:44 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Parents' Financial Situation/Crisis [Heir to estate with more debt than assets]
Replies: 29
Views: 3510

Re: Parents' Financial Situation/Crisis [Heir to estate with more debt than assets]

On the one hand, you don't have to do anything. The court will step in and take care of it all. That said, you may want to ensure they get a proper burial. Also, keep an eye on things if you are in a filial responsibility state; unlikely even in those, their medical creditors will come after you, but they could in theory. States vary in how to notify them on how to disclaim an inheritance. Here is an example of Virginia's: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title64.2/chapter26/section64.2-2603/ Virginia's filial law. https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title20/chapter5/section20-88/. In VA, its unknown how often this statute is enforced since these cases are held in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and they are not courts of record in...
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 12, 2024 5:57 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Should one invest in gold? If so, how and how much?
Replies: 210
Views: 23538

Re: Should one invest in gold? If so, how and how much?

One difference is that if nuclear war hits, or any number of other catastrophes, the guy with a bunch of physical gold available has a lot more options than somebody holding a bunch of paper stocks and cash. In a real catastrophe, it’s the guy holding MREs and bottled water who is going to have a lot more options, because those are the only things that will have any value whatsoever. Indeed. When Richmond fell in 1865, gold had about as much use as Confederate bonds. The wealthy were hawking everything for food. And when the Union troops destroyed the liquor supplies and it was running down the streets, liquor was a valuable commodity. A person can't eat gold, gold coins can't be broken into pieces and still command a price, how is someone...
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 12, 2024 2:46 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Letter to heir - what would you include?
Replies: 90
Views: 7798

Re: Letter to heir - what would you include?

Include don't sign anything you don't understand.
by Mr. Rumples
Mon Mar 11, 2024 8:49 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: SS is insufficient, very little savings, what's the best option
Replies: 49
Views: 7948

Re: SS is insufficient, very little savings, what's the best option

EJ is generally frowned upon here; if going there, go to Fidelity or Schwab or Vanguard also. Then backtest what is recommended. Remember the EJ folks are professional sales people; they read their client and adjust their pitch accordingly. Take the forms home, ponder before signing and never sign anything that is not understood; a verbal commitment is meaningless. If feeling pressured, walk. Pay attention to fees, load fees, annual fees, commission fees, expense ratios over 0.5%.

For backtesting: https://www.portfoliovisualizer.com/backtest-portfolio
https://impersonalfinances.com/edward-jones-fees/
by Mr. Rumples
Sun Mar 10, 2024 5:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Helping children young active duty officers
Replies: 28
Views: 2626

Re: Helping children young active duty officers

A few observations from relatives' careers. One a USN pilot later taught aeronautics at major universities and at the Naval Academy. Another USN Captain took up consulting for shipbuilders. Another opened a very successful computer repair business. My assumption is that they used military tuition assistance programs to get advanced diplomas.
by Mr. Rumples
Sat Mar 09, 2024 10:56 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)
Replies: 101
Views: 16778

Re: When to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)

I am reaching the point. Mobility is becoming an issue, I am too tired for the yard and house cleaning and the house needs work, some aesthetic but other is needed such as bathroom remodeling for an aging person and I would like a whole house generator. Another consideration is a health scare. The issue isn't urgent now, but it's on the horizon, the planning for post operative in-home care was a challenge. While I have a nephew and niece who will look out for me (and have medical POA), I don't want to be a burden and want them to enjoy being with me, not dreading coming over. I have three communities to look at with Type A coverage. The entrance fees are daunting, yet manageable. My concern is what happens if they go "belly up" or...
by Mr. Rumples
Sat Mar 09, 2024 8:33 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When did "gift" become a verb?
Replies: 14
Views: 869

Re: When did "gift" become a verb?

Its long been a verb:

Be gyfted them richely with right good speede.

A merry Ieste of a shrewde and curst Wyfe circa 1580

https://www.luminarium.org/renascence-e ... /jest.html
by Mr. Rumples
Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:18 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Do I have to pay $1 for Virginia taxes?
Replies: 15
Views: 1520

Re: Do I have to pay $1 for Virginia taxes?

I had to call the Virginia Tax Dept and got through in less than 5 minutes. https://www.tax.virginia.gov/contact-us

The tax table shows $1 can be owed:

https://www.tax.virginia.gov/sites/defa ... XTABLE.pdf
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 05, 2024 10:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Plateaued with my 45 minute workout - Age 47
Replies: 90
Views: 7890

Re: Plateaued with my 45 minute workout - Age 47

knightrider wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 9:52 am
Mr. Rumples wrote: Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:45 am I'm the old man lifting weights; as noted above, the 40's are not the teens - wait until you turn 65 and 70! After a recovery week give a week of working out in increasing intensity to get back up to where you were. The body is forming new muscle during that week off and it needs to adapt.
How often do you take recovery weeks? I generally don't unless I am forced too due to illness..
Every eight weeks. Recovery weeks don't mean doing nothing. Yoga, yard work, deep cleaning...save some bucks and do these. I'm considering a continuing care community, one plus is a pool.
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Plateaued with my 45 minute workout - Age 47
Replies: 90
Views: 7890

Re: Plateaued with my 45 minute workout - Age 47

I'm the old man lifting weights; as noted above, the 40's are not the teens - wait until you turn 65 and 70! After a recovery week give a week of working out in increasing intensity to get back up to where you were. The body is forming new muscle during that week off and it needs to adapt. Try this book for the recovery week(s). Yoga Fitness for Men: Build Strength, Improve Performance, and Increase Flexibility by Pohlman.

As noted above, a treadmill is different than walking and running outside. One is pulling, the other isn't.

For endurance and another set of muscles, see if there is a 9/11 climb coming up. If there is, it's entirely different.

Listen to your body to avoid injury and the associated expenses to repair it.
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:04 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Dropping Long Term Care Insurance
Replies: 2
Views: 664

Dropping Long Term Care Insurance

If moving into a continuing care retirement community, is long term care insurance needed? What questions should be asked about the care?
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Mar 05, 2024 5:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What to do if I am subpoenaed as a witness but I have overseas travel plans
Replies: 28
Views: 4154

Re: What to do if I am subpoenaed as a witness but I have overseas travel plans

What is the statute in the state for compelling a witness when the witness will incur a financial hardship? Does the jurisdiction have a witness reimbursement fee for travel and lodging? A traffic violation is a criminal offense and hence is different than a civil case. The burden of reimbursement might fall on the defense or prosecution. This is the VA Code by way of example: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull ... /article2/
by Mr. Rumples
Mon Mar 04, 2024 8:08 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: about Norway rats
Replies: 31
Views: 4821

Re: about Norway rats

Rats are nocturnal and can be active in the early morning and the evening. But they are smart and can adapt to the schedule of a house and the crawlspace is dark so it's always dusk. Garages, sheds, woodpile are great hiding places. Be sure to pull mulch away from the house, about 8" at least. There can be entrances to the kitchen behind the stove. Get rid of the bird feeders and they love compost piles. Exterminators are licensed and used to use more high potency poison than what's available in the stores; not sure if that is the case now. A rat's territory can be up to 300 feet.
by Mr. Rumples
Fri Mar 01, 2024 2:56 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Complain About Bad Boss?
Replies: 56
Views: 5975

Re: Complain About Bad Boss?

Been retired over 10 years now; things have changed, but here is how I did it. I never went over my boss' head without telling them. I did it at least twice. As the lone voice it wasn't much good except it got me a transfer. We did it as a group once, the entire team with one exception asked for a transfer and the boss was reassigned.

I've had difficult supervisors who flipped flopped; I kept a file with their emails. Sometimes for verbal instructions I would send an email along the lines of "I just want to ensure I understand ..." or "as a follow up to our conversation ..."
by Mr. Rumples
Thu Feb 29, 2024 8:17 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What is a ‘title company’ - Capital One Wire Transfer
Replies: 17
Views: 3586

Re: What is a ‘title company’ - Capital One Wire Transfer

A quick internet search using "NC title companies" yields results.
There is an entire section of NC law about it: https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislatio ... le_26.html

In NC, the attorney will use the title company to insure the title. I don't know about NC, but my guess is its similar to VA where old titles are lost in court records and disputes arise or more recently this year in Veldhuis v. Abboushi a title dispute ended up in the Court of Appeals. (The title dispute of Arlington estate (now Arlington National Cemetery) was decided by SCOTUS - United States v. Lee 1882)
by Mr. Rumples
Thu Feb 29, 2024 6:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Retirees: at what age...?
Replies: 48
Views: 5258

Re: Retirees: at what age...?

None, I am keeping to my budget. I need / want a bucket of $ so that I can stay in my house and have 24/7 private care if needed. If there is $ left over so be it; its more to go the endowed scholarship funds.
by Mr. Rumples
Thu Feb 29, 2024 11:49 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Neighbor Got Burglarized, How To Prevent
Replies: 74
Views: 8519

Re: Neighbor Got Burglarized, How To Prevent

I live in an area where people still don't lock their doors during the day. I just started to when I go visiting neighbors. That said, while this doesn't help door security, it might with windows. Use plants: mahonia (blooms in the winter), roses, and certain types of holly (illix) and eleganus (alas, mildly invasive) all of which have brutal thorns.
by Mr. Rumples
Wed Feb 28, 2024 10:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Can we talk about reusing packaging? Bubble wrap…
Replies: 10
Views: 983

Re: Can we talk about reusing packaging? Bubble wrap…

Perhaps a nursery (plant). I use bubble wrap around tender perennials and then fill the void with mulched leaves; for example, it enables bay leaf to survive in zone 7. Some folks around here use it around outdoor pots to help save the plants from the cold, but that has limited success.
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Feb 27, 2024 6:45 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: How to deal with/spend too much money?
Replies: 91
Views: 9036

Re: How to deal with/spend too much money?

In VA, there is a program called Donated Dental Services. https://www.vdaf.org/our-programs/donat ... ervices%20(DDS,individuals%20who%20are%20medically%20fragile.

There are similar programs to provide hearing aid assistance, vision assistance, not just for adults but for children.

Another option is to establish scholarships.

Local community foundations are a wealth of knowledge. https://www.cfstandards.org/about-us/co ... on-locator

There is no reason to spend just for the sake of spending.
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Feb 27, 2024 6:28 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber
Replies: 26
Views: 2383

Re: Pressure Treated Decking Lumber

This article might help:

https://longbrosbldg.com/insight-pickin ... long-bros/

Drilling pilot holes help to prevent splitting the wood. After about 12 months, treated lumber develop cracks which are normal.
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Feb 27, 2024 5:26 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: What got you out of poverty?
Replies: 111
Views: 13083

Re: What got you out of poverty?

I did not grow up poor, but there were times when it was strained. When I and my partner (later husband) graduated from university, that month the financial support ended; we were on our own eating cabbage, rutabagas, oatmeal and eggs in a one room dump. We did laundry in the sink to save the few quarters (towels take forever to dry out); we had no phone or TV, just my stereo from high school. I think we had a radio. I discovered yard sales (I still have my first purchase a nice antique tool box for 25¢ - those bargains are long gone). In those days, windows could be left open overnight, AC was a luxury. Being young fortunately meant we had few medical bills. I had my tonsils taken out and the doctor let me pay $10 a month without interest....
by Mr. Rumples
Tue Feb 27, 2024 5:15 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 24 year old- money problems
Replies: 50
Views: 6493

Re: 24 year old- money problems

The consensus is that you are in a good place to reset and as noted above way ahead of most. I have a young relative in human resources; she was hired by a large regional contracting company to expand recruitment efforts to more young people with their diversity as older tradespeople age out.

Are there any young professional groups - for lack of a better term - which meet periodically to network, socialize and perhaps have speakers?